People, gods & places

These are the names that appear in the translations of the royal correspondence. Unless otherwise noted, all the people's names are of Akkadian origin.

The identification of ancient places with modern sites is not always certain. We have followed the certainty codes 1-4 in Parpola and Porter, Helsinki atlas (2001), and coloured the pins in the Google Earth (KMZ) files accordingly:

The cities of known location as mentioned in the correspondence of Sargon II (721-705 BC). Note that not all place names in the Assyrian heartland can be displayed at this resolution. Map by Karen Radner. View large image.

A

Aba (place)

Settlement in the Taurus PGP mountains in the region of the Assyrian province of Tušhan PGP .

Abaliuqunu (person)

An Urarṭian name of unknown meaning: governor TT of the Urarṭian PGP province bordering on the kingdom of Muṣaṣir PGP and brother of the Urarṭian deputy commander-in-chief Urṣene PGP ; a contemporary of Sargon II PGP .

"The father is exalted", a West Semitic name: criminal suspect from Arzuhina PGP , sent to the palace for questioning; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Abi-Se' (person)

"Se' is father", a West Semitic name: royal messenger in the service of Sargon II PGP .

Abi-yadi' (person)

"The father is knowing", a West Semitic name: sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP in southern Mesopotamia and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Abi-yaqa (person)

"The father has guarded", a West Semitic name: emissary from the kingdom of Šubria PGP sent to the Assyrian city of Šabirešu PGP during the reign of Sargon II PGP to broker an exchange of hostages and refugees.

Abi-yaqar (person)

"The father is esteemed", an Aramaic name: leader, or one of the leaders, of the Puqudu PGP tribe in southern Mesopotamia; an enemy of Assyria and Sargon II PGP .

Abi-yaqiya (person)

"The father is guarding", a West Semitic name: sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP in southern Mesopotamia; an Assyrian vassal and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

A name of unknown origin and meaning: ruler of a small state in the Taurus PGP mountain range, in the buffer zone between Assyria and Urarṭu PGP ; an Assyrian vassal during the reign of Sargon II PGP , he corresponds with the Assyrian vizier TT , whom he addresses as "my lord".

"Adad has given an heir": royal confidant of Sargon II PGP who is sent by the king as his messenger to the vassal kingdom of Kumme PGP .

Adad-belu-ka''in (person)

"O Adad, establish the lord!": governor TT of the province of Assur PGP under Aššur-nerari V and Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the years 748 and 738 BC.

Adad-ibni (person)

"Adad has created": [1] Possibly the governor TT of the Assyrian province of Til-Barsip PGP and a correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Assyrian official active in Babylonia PGP and a correspondent of Sargon II.

Adad-iriba (person)

"Adad has replaced": individual mentioned in a letter from the middle Euphrates PGP region; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Adad-isse'a (person)

"Adad is with me": governor TT of the Assyrian province of Mazamua PGP and, at some point in his career, possibly also of the province of Til-Barsip PGP ; frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"Adad is my light": official active in the Assyrian province of Laqe PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Adad-remanni (person)

"O Adad, have mercy on me!": [1] High Assyrian official active on the Assyro-Babylonian border during the reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] eponym of the city Birtu-ša-Adad-remanni, meaning "Adad-remanni's fortess".

Adad-šumu-uṣur (person)

"O Adad, protect the name!": man connected to Marduk-apla-iddina PGP , king of the Sealand PGP , in a letter from Nemed-Lagudu PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Adda-hati (person)

"Adda is a smiter", a Canaanite name: governor TT of the Assyrian province of Manṣuaṭ, part of the former kingdom of Hamat PGP , and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Adda-imme (person)

"Adda is with me", an Aramaic name: probably a dependent individual mentioned in a broken letter, most likely from the reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Her father's sister": daughter of Sargon II PGP and wife and queen of Ambariṣ, king of Tabal PGP and an Asyrian vassal.

Ahhešaya (person)

Abbreviation of a name containing the element "his brothers": an individual concerned with the royal wine cellars; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ahhutun (person)

"Our brotherhood": one of six deportees to be resettled in the Assyrian province of Amidi PGP who refused to cultivate their fields; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ahi-bi-gayanu (person)

"The brother is under protection", an Aramaic name: sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP and a correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Ahi-yaqar (person)

"The brother is esteemed", a West Semitic name: individual from Bit-Sin-ibni PGP who, together with Lu-ahu'a PGP , tries to persuade Nabu-duru-uṣur PGP and Bel-emuranni PGP to go and retake with them the conquered town of Bit-Ha'ir PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ahu-bani (person)

"The brother has been created": royal confidant of Sargon II PGP , in charge of resettling Urarṭian PGP deportees in Sippar PGP .

Ahu-ila'i (person)

"The brother is my god": recruitment officer TT active in Bit-Dakkuri PGP and, according to a letter to Sargon II PGP , separated from his brothers because he was more reliable than them.

Mountain range to the east of Iskanderun in modern Turkey, running parallel to the northern Mediterranean coast.

Amar-ili (person)

Either "Chosen of the god", an Akkadian name, or "The god (or: 'El) has said", a West Semitic name: high official or scholar active in Arbela PGP , and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Amat-Bel-uṣur (person)

"Obey the word of Bel": Babylonian PGP father and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP . Amat-Bel-uṣur's family consists of one son and three women.

Amel-Enlil (person)

"Man of Enlil": man from Hindaru PGP who defected to the vizier TT ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Amel-Nabu (person)

"Man of Nabu": Babylonian correspondent of Sargon II PGP , more likely to have been located in southern or eastern Babylonia PGP than in Babylon PGP , since he informs the king about Bit-Yakin PGP and Elam PGP . He is harassed by Mannu-ki-Arbail PGP .

Amidi (place)

Assyrian province in the upper Tigris PGP region and its capital of the same name; modern Diyarbakir, classical Amida. The province is also known as Bit-Zamani PGP , the name of the kingdom out of which it was created in 856 BC. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/amidi.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/amidi.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Amiru (person)

"Commander", an Arabic name: Arab leader who is mentioned as father of Ammi-leti PGP in three letters to Sargon II PGP .

"The paternal uncle is my strength", a West Semitic name: son of Amiru PGP , an Arab leader active in western Syria. Nominally an Assyrian vassal, he frequently encroaches upon the territories of the Assyrian provinces of Ṣupat PGP , Manṣuate and Damascus PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Anu has desired": Babylonian PGP , brother and dependent of Bel-lamur PGP and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP . Anu-ereš belongs to the family of his with one woman.

Abbreviation of a name containing the element "heir": [1] Leader of deported Babylonians in Que PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Official active in the province of Laqe PGP and, together with Šarru-lu-dari PGP , correspondent of Sargon II PGP on deportees and pack animals. [3] Possibly a dependent gardener from Kalhu PGP who is connected to the captives from Arrapha PGP in a letter to Sargon II.

Appa (person)

Name of unknown origin and meaning: father of Labarmu PGP from Sinnu PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

West Semitic name based on the verb "to protect/watch": man from the town of Darati PGP turning to the Assyrian prefect Marduk-šarru-uṣur PGP for help in (re)capturing Darati PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aqara (person)

Abbreviation of a name containing the element "precious": Babylonian PGP , possibly from Bit-Dakkuri PGP , son of the woman Haba[...]; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aqar-Bel-lumur (person)

"May I see the preciousness of Bel!": commander of troops in Gambulu PGP under Sennacherib PGP ; frequent correspondent of the king, Bel-ibni PGP , the vizier TT and other high officials, either alone or together with Nabu-šumu-lešir PGP , another high-ranking official in Gambulu (probably the governor TT ).

Aqar-Nabu (person)

"Nabu is precious": Babylonian PGP scholar in Dur-Šarruken PGP , possibly a diviner like Šula PGP , with whom he is mentioned in a letter to Sargon II PGP .

"The one from Arza" or an abbreviation of an Aramaic name containing the element "cedar": local ruler, some of whose people were assigned to an Assyrian cohort under Gabbu-ana-Aššur PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

A name of unknown origin and meaning: governor TT of the Assyrian province of Tušhan PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Ašpa-bara (person)

"Horseman", an Iranian name: king of Ellipi PGP , successor of his uncle Dalta PGP ; a contemporary of Sargon II PGP and Sennacherib PGP .

Asrukanu (person)

An Iranian name: Median PGP city lord whose son is placed as an Assyrian hostage; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur (deity)

The national god of Assyria whose temple at the city of Assur PGP is the most important Assyrian sanctuary.

Assur (place)

Assyrian city on the Tigris PGP , the original capital and ancestral home of the royal family and many Assyrian nobles; now Qalaat Sherqat. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/assur_qalaat_sherqat.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/assur_qalaat_sherqat.kmz&t=k&z=17].

Aššur-alik-pani (person)

"Aššur is the leader", i.e. "Aššur is the one who goes in front": Assyrian governor TT , active on Assyria's northeastern frontier, whose province is unknown; correspondent of Sargon II PGP , often together with Nergal-šarrani PGP .

"Aššur is their lord!": official in the service of Sargon PGP 's treasurer Ṭab-šar-Aššur PGP , active in the Province of the Treasurer.

Aššur-dalal (person)

"[To] Aššur is [my] praise!": high military official of the chariot troops active in the province of Ṣupat PGP , who opened the royal silos without permission and fed his horses with the fodder of the governor Bel-liqbi PGP .

Aššur-da''inanni (person)

"O Aššur, strengthen me!": governor TT of the province of Mazamua PGP and correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the year 733 BC but still in office early in the reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-dur-paniya (person)

"Aššur is the protective wall in front of me": governor TT of the Assyrian province of Til-Barsip PGP ; correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-ereš (person)

"Aššur has desired": high official, probably from Kalhu PGP , who has at his disposal Nabu-šezib PGP , the scribe of Bel-duri PGP , according to a letter to Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-iddin (person)

"Aššur has given": prefect, possibly active in Babylonia PGP ; according to a broken letter, probably from the reign of Sargon II PGP , Aššur-iddin is said to be "their prefect".

"Aššur is almighty": ruler of Karalla PGP in the Zagros PGP mountains and an ally of Ullusunu PGP , ruler of Mannea PGP , and an enemy of Assyria according to Sargon's PGP royal inscriptions.

Aššur-nadin-ahhe (person)

"Aššur is the giver of the brothers": royal confidant and messenger of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-na'di (person)

"Aššur is praised": deputy priest of the Aššur PGP temple; his cousin Simanaya PGP is a candidate for the office of the household overseer of the Aššur PGP temple following the death of the previous officeholder along with the latter's son and nephew, according to a letter from Ṭab-ṣill-Ešarra PGP to Sargon II PGP .

"Aššur is a strengthener": high official active in Bit-Zamani PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-remanni (person)

"O Aššur, have mercy on me!": [1] High official active in northern Assyria; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Landowner in the province of Amidi PGP ; possibly identical with [1]. [3] Cavalry commander in the service of a deputy governor in eastern Babylonia PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-reṣiwa (person)

"Aššur is my helper": subordinate of the deputy governor of an unknown province; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-rešu-išši (person)

"Aššur has lifted my head": royal confidant TT of Sargon II PGP active in the Zagros PGP region, negotiating with the dignitaries of Bit-Barru PGP and Kibabiše PGP in Ellipi PGP , and dealing with the people of Kuluman PGP .

"O Aššur, seize me!": possibly a royal confidant TT , unless he is a cohort commander from Arrapha who brings Ramati PGP , appointed as city lord by Sargon II PGP , to Uriakka PGP against the will of the locals.

"Aššur has created the king": official involved in public works and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Aššur-šarru-uṣur (person)

"O Aššur, protect the king!": [1] Governor TT of the Assyrian province of Que PGP (Cilicia) under Sargon II PGP . [2] High administrative official in the Assyrian province of Mazamua PGP under Sargon II; perhaps the same man as [1] but at a different stage of his career.

"Atta is my help", a West Semitic name: possibly an individual from Hubuškia PGP mentioned in a broken letter to Sargon II PGP .

Attar-ham (person)

"Attar is the father-in-law", a West Semitic name: merchant active in Habruri PGP and Hargu PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Atunna (place)

Also known as Tunna. Anatolian city in the region of Tabal PGP (classical Tynna); today Zeyve Höyük at the village of Porsuk near the town of Ulukışla in the province of Niğde. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/atunna.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/atunna.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Aya-barakka (person)

"Ea has blessed", an Aramaic name: individual mentioned in connection with some Median PGP city lords and their contribution to the building works at Kar-Šarruken PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Aya-hari (person)

"Ea has roused himself", an Aramaic name: father of one Nabu-[...]; reign of Sargon II PGP .

An abbreviated West Semitic name: commander of the troops at Dur-Abihara PGP in Gambulu PGP , father of Teši-eṭir PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; probably still active during the reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Baga-parna (person)

"With the gods' splendour of fortune", an Iranian name: city lord of Zakruti PGP .

Bahianu (person)

"The desired one", an Aramaic name: individual active in the province of Naṣibina PGP , robbed and killed along with his attendants in an ambush by Belu-lu-balaṭ PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Balassu (person)

"His life": [1] Leader of the Bit-Dakkuri PGP tribe, who went into Assyrian exile in 722 BC and whose death is reported in a royal letter; a correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP and Sargon II PGP . [2] Prefect of the Aramean PGP tribe of Labdudu PGP and a royal scribe; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Balaṭi (person)

An abbreviated name containing either the element "alive" or "life": official active in Dur-Bel-ila'i PGP on Assyria's southeastern border; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Blessed by god", a West Semitic name: high-ranking individual, probably a tribal leader, from Larak PGP who appealed to Sargon II PGP after he and his people were arrested. Barik-il may still have been active during the reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Bar-Ṣaruri (person)

"Son of Ṣaruru", a West Semitic name: royal confidant TT of Sargon II PGP , escorting captives sent by Nabu-belu-uṣur PGP and Dinanu PGP .

"Bel has saved": individual, probably from Kalhu PGP , who is mentioned in a letter from Sennacherib PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Belet-taddina (person)

"Belet [= the Lady] has given": presumably a harem TT woman and possibly a daughter of Nabu-ereš PGP , mentioned by Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP commander of troops in Gambulu PGP , in a letter to his king.

Bel-Harran-belu-uṣur (person)

"O Lord of Harran, protect the lord!": [1] Palace herald TT under Shalmaneser IV and Tiglath-pileser III PGP , founder of the city Dur-Bel-Harran-belu-uṣur and eponym TT of the year 741 BC. [2] Governor TT of the province of Guzana PGP and eponym TT of the year 727 BC.

Bel-ibni (person)

"Bel has created": Babylonian nobleman growing up as a hostage at the court of Sargon II PGP , appointed king of Babylonia PGP (702-700 BC) by Sennacherib PGP .

Bel-iddina (person)

"Bel has given": [1] King of Allabria PGP , a vassal and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Babylonian scholar or priest inspecting work on various temples in Babylonia PGP and correspondent of Sargon II. [3] Uncle of the informant Ra'iwanu PGP from the town of Nagiati PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

"Bel has granted": [1] Chief temple administrator of the Esaggil PGP temple in Babylon PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP , the vizier TT and Nabu-šarru-uṣur PGP . [2] Possibly an Assyrian official to be provided with barley and animals in Arrapha PGP .

"May I see Bel!": Babylonian PGP , brother of Anu-ereš PGP and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Ašur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Bel-lešir (person)

"O Bel, may he prosper!": [1] Governor TT of an unknown western Assyrian province; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP and correspondent of the king's magnates TT ; reign of Sargon II.

"Bel is almighty": [1] Military official active in Arrapha PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Man from the town of Darati PGP asking the Assyrian prefect Marduk-šarru-uṣur PGP to (re)capture his home town; reign of Sargon II.

"Bel is my light": major-domo TT sacked because of his difficult character, possibly originally from Calah PGP ; following his dismissal, he settles first in Arrapha PGP and thereafter is appointed in Lubda PGP , but causes trouble everywhere during the reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Bel is in my hands": possibly an Assyrian official or an individual from Hubuškia PGP , mentioned in a broken letter to Sargon II PGP .

Bel-šarru-uṣur (person)

"O Bel, protect the king!": royal confidant TT of Sargon II PGP who visits Mušezibu PGP , the ruler of Lahiru PGP , together with Nabu-šumu-iddina PGP , and informs the locals about the Assyrian military plans in the area.

Belšunu (person)

"Their lord": [1] Priest or nobleman from Babylon PGP and correspondent of the vizier TT during the reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Member of the Puqudu PGP tribe.

"Bel - evil", shortened name from Bel-mušetiq-udu, "Bel is the one who averts evil": messenger of Eṭiru PGP , the chief temple administrator of Esaggil PGP in Babylon PGP , who tells Il-yada' PGP that he has been sent to the palace, according to a letter to Sargon II PGP .

Belu-lu-balaṭ (person)

"May the lord live!": probably an official turned criminal, active in the province of Naṣibina PGP , who killed Bahianu PGP and his attendants and extorted oxen from exempts.

Belu-lu-dari (person)

"May the lord be everlasting!": governor TT of the province of Tille PGP and correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the year 730 BC.

Bel-usati (person)

"Bel is [my] help": high-ranking Babylonian PGP , probably a brother of Nabu-šarru-uṣur PGP , who seems to have been mentioned in three fragmentary letters from the reign of Sargon II PGP .

Formerly the kingdom of Ullubu, conquered by Tiglath-pileser III PGP in 739 BC and transformed into an Assyrian province; situated on the Lesser Khabur, north of the modern Iraqi town of Dohuk. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/birtu.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/birtu.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Aramean PGP kingdom with the capital Til-Barsip PGP , situated in northern Syria to the east of the Euphrates PGP ; conquered and integrated into Assyria under Shalmaneser III (858-824 BC) as the province of the Commander-in-Chief TT .

"Son of Sila", an Aramaic name: probably a high Elamite PGP official, said to raise provisions, probably for a military campaign, with Umman-mina PGP in Bit-Bunakki PGP and to be involved in the affairs of Ellipi PGP , according to a letter from Der PGP to Sargon II PGP .

The south of Babylonia PGP ; the areas occupied by the tribes of Bit-Amukani PGP , Bit-Dakkuri PGP and Bit-Yakin PGP .

Cilicia (place)

Area around the southeast coast of modern Turkey, bordered by the Taurus PGP and Amanus PGP mountains; Assyrian Que PGP .

Cimmerians (people)

Horse nomads who, by the late 8th century BC, had migrated into Anatolia and northern Iran from the Caucasus region. At that time, there were not yet any direct contacts with Assyria but the Cimmerians threatened the territory of Urarṭu PGP , resulting in an unsuccessful Urarṭian offensive in 709 BC.

Commagene (place)

Capital of the Province of the Commander-in-Chief of the Left; Assyrian Kummuhi, modern Samsat in Turkey (now flooded by the Ataturk Dam). View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/commagene_kummuhi.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/commagene_kummuhi.kmz&t=k&z=13].

Cush/Kush (place)

Nubia, a kingdom to the south of Egypt PGP in modern Sudan. See the essay on Kush.

An inland city close to the eastern Mediterranean coast, possibly situated between Tyre PGP and Damascus PGP , but exact location is uncertain.

Danibanu (place)

Pass through the Taurus PGP range near the modern Turkish towns of Lice und Genç, leading north to the Euphrates PGP and a nearby settlement of the same name under Urarṭian PGP control; attested in Assyrian sources from the 9th century BC as Ṭunibunu.

Dannaya (place/people)

Possibly a town near Arza PGP in southern Philistia PGP but the interpretation is uncertain.

Dannaya or Dan-Aia (person)

Either an abbreviation of a name containing the element "strong" or "Ea is strong": high military official active in the Assyrian province of Manṣuate; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"My protective wall is Adad": [1] Royal confidant TT dispatched by Sargon II PGP to the Assyrian province of Tušhan PGP . [2] Father of a man from Carchemish PGP whose servants are mentioned together with those of the sons of Adad-abu'a PGP and Ubru-Libbali PGP in a letter to Sargon II.

Duri-Aššur (person)

"My protective wall is Aššur": governor TT of the Assyrian province of Tušhan PGP and correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the year 728 BC.

Assyrian province in northeastern Babylonia PGP and its capital of the same name; close to Opis PGP and probably to be identified with Mujaili'aṭ 15 km northeast of Ktesiphon. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/dur-sarrukku.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/dur-sarrukku.kmz&t=k&z=18].

Dur-talitti (place)

Town in the Assyrian province of Arzuhina PGP , near the Babiti PGP pass.

E

"Ea has created the king": military official escorting the magnates TT from Yeri PGP to Fort Adad-remanni; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ebir-nari (place)

"The other side of the river": designation referring to the regions west of the Euphrates PGP , i.e. western Syria. See Trans-Euphrates PGP .

Edom (place)

Kingdom to the south of the Dead Sea.

Egypt (place)

In the second half of the 8th century BC, Egypt was politically fragmented, with the rulers of Cush PGP and various local dynasts in the Delta region trying to claim sovereignty over the region. From the reign of Tiglath-pileser III PGP onwards, Assyria started to maintain diplomatic contacts with some of the Egyptian rulers in the Delta and, from Sargon II PGP onwards, also with the kings of Cush.

Ehiman (place)

Town in the Ṭur Abdin mountain range, in the general vicinity of modern Mardin.

Ehiye (person)

Perhaps an abbreviation of a name containing the West Semitic element "brother": smuggler from Kumme PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Kingdom in the Zagros PGP mountains of western Iran, north of Elam PGP and northeast of Der PGP .

Eni-il (person)

"God's eyes", a West Semitic name: individual, active in western Iran, mentioned in a broken letter, probably from Aššur-belu-uṣur PGP to Sargon II PGP , concerning some traitors who fled to Lutu PGP from Ellipi PGP .

Enlil (deity)

Head of the Sumerian PGP pantheon, and one of the most important gods still in Neo-Assyrian times; called Illil PGP in the Assyrian dialect.

Ennet-Aššur (person)

"Punishment of Aššur": individual mentioned in connection with corn rations and camels in a fragmentary letter, probably from the reign of Sargon II PGP .

Epa (person)

Name of unknown origin and meaning: military official, active in Til-Barsip PGP , whose men have been provided with cloaks by Nabu-pašir PGP , according to his letter to Sargon II PGP .

"The god has desired": eunuch TT , active in northern Babylonia PGP , who was urged by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP and Il-yada' PGP to bring out a man and deliver him into the hands of the royal confidant TT , according to a broken letter to Sargon II PGP .

Eriba (person)

"He has replaced", an abbreviated name: owner of a house in the Babylonian PGP town of Darati PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Erra has saved", an Aramaic name: individual, possibly a son of a city lord from the Zagros PGP mountains, mentioned in a broken letter from Marduk-šarru-uṣur PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Erra-gamil (person)

"Erra spares": scribe TT from Nineveh PGP , active in Nemed-Issar PGP and Laqe PGP ; Sargon II PGP may have wanted to employ Erra-gamil in Kalhu PGP , but he may have been deported to the "Land beyond the River" by a tracker after serving Ila'i-Bel PGP until the latter's death, according to a letter from Zeru-ibni PGP to Sargon II.

An Anatolian name: Anatolian vassal king, presumably either from Kulummu or Til-Garimme (unless these two cities were ruled by the same person) whose treaty tablet was brought to Assur PGP and introduced into the courtyard of the temple for the ceremonies after which it was returned to Gurdi(?), according to a letter from Ṭab-ṣill-Ešarra PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Guriania (place)

Vassal country of Urarṭu PGP , situated at its northern border and adjoining the territories under Cimmerian PGP control. After the Urarṭian defeat by the Cimmerians PGP in 709 BC, the Gurianian ruler turned against the Urarṭians as the remainder of the army crossed Guriania in order to return home, and caused a massacre.

Gurru (place)

Aramean PGP tribe, many of whose members served as regular auxiliary troops in the Assyrian army of the late 8th century BC.

Guzana (place)

Assyrian province and its capital of the same name: Biblical Gozan, classical Giziana, now Tell Halaf on the Syrian-Turkish border. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/guzana_tell_halaf.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/guzana_tell_halaf.kmz&t=k&z=17].

A West Semitic name based on the root "to be strong, healthy": father of a son who may have been a pro-Assyrian local potentate of the town of Marpada PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Haldi (deity)

Main deity of Muṣaṣir PGP , which housed his most important sanctuary, and from the reign of king Išpuini in the late 9th century BC also the head of Urarṭu's PGP state pantheon; from that time onwards, numerous temples dedicated to Haldi were built on Urarṭian territory.

Haldi-abu-uṣur (person)

"O Haldi, protect the father!": one of six deportees to be resettled in the Assyrian province of Amidi PGP who refused to cultivate their fields; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Haldi-naṣir (person)

"Haldi is protector": [1] Recruit who acts as messenger for the governor Ṭab-ṣill-Ešarra PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] High official active in Babylonia PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

Assyrian province on the east bank of the Khabur PGP river in modern Syria, probably just south of the Khabur triangle in the region of Jabal Jabisah. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/halzi-atbari.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/halzi-atbari.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Former capital of the Syrian kingdom of the same name and, following its integration into Assyria under Tiglath-pileser III PGP , part of the Assyrian province of Manṣuate; Biblical Hamath, modern Hama. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/hamat.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/hamat.kmz&t=k&z=17].

"God has seen", a West Semitic name: possibly a Gambulean PGP sheikh who submitted to Sargon II PGP in 710 BC and who was to be captured, according to a letter from Kina PGP to his "brother" from the reign of Sargon II.

Small independent state in the northeast of Assyria, allied with Assyria under Sargon II PGP . Its location is debated but the region of the Dohan plain on the western fringes of the Zagros PGP mountains seems most likely. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/hubuskia_hane.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/hubuskia_hane.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Huhhu (person)

A name of unknown origin and meaning: nobleman from Tabal PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Hulalu (person)

"Precious stone": temple-enterer TT , i.e. high-ranking clergy member, of the temple of Šamaš PGP at Sippar PGP , said to have taken with him part of the temple treasure of Esaggil PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"The brother is my oath" (referring to an oath sworn during pregnancy): one of six deportees to be resettled in the Assyrian province of Amidi PGP who refused to cultivate their fields; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"He has given a brother": sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP and correspondent of the chief tailor (a military title) during the reign of Sargon II PGP .

Igli (person)

"His calf", a West Semitic name: official responsible for building works in Dur-Šarruken PGP , in charge of the people from 'Ata PGP ; together with Nabu-ušabši PGP , a correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"My god is Bel": probably a high-ranking Assyrian official either in Nemed-Ištar PGP or in Laqe PGP , correspondent of Sargon II PGP and Nabu-duru-uṣur PGP .

Il-dala (person)

"God has drawn out (the family from distress)", a West Semitic name: Commander-of-fifty of the Gurrean troops in Assyrian service at Meturna PGP under Sargon II PGP . Fled to Šubria PGP after killing the mayor of Meturna PGP .

"God commanded": [1] Member of the temple personnel, possibly from Dur-Šarruken PGP , and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Official who, together with Remutu PGP , kills locusts in the west during the reign of Sargon II.

Ilumma-taklak (person)

"In God indeed I trust": Babylonian PGP from Abdudu PGP whose house(hold) should be deported in order that they fear the king, according to a letter from Nabu-belu-ka''in PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Ilu-mušezib (person)

"God is the saviour": runaway baker of Bel-emuranni PGP whom Sargon II PGP installed in Hatarikka PGP , and whom Kubaba-ereš PGP and other locals made run away. In his letter to Sargon II, Bel-duri PGP asks the king to return Ilu-mušezib PGP to him.

Ilu-piya-uṣur (person)

"O God, protect my word!": shepherd and cohort commander working in Dur-Šarruken PGP . Sargon II PGP reprimands Taklak-ana-Bel PGP for sacking Ilu-piya-uṣur PGP but he is not sacked, even if he has neglected his duties.

"Lamb", a West Semitic name: possibly a Babylonian PGP mentioned in a broken context in a letter from Bel-iqiša PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Ina-qibi-Bel (person)

"Through the word of Bel": Babylonian PGP who, together with Nabu-ušallim PGP , gives silver to the people of Cutha PGP in the second year of king Marduk-apla-iddina PGP , according to a letter from Šumu-ukin PGP to Nergal-naṣir PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ina-qibi-Bel-abluṭ (person)

"I recovered through the word of Bel": military official who went with Nabu-hamatu'a PGP to Puqudu PGP and ordered the tribe to summon their king's men; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Ina-šar-Bel-allak (person)

"I walk in the spirit of Bel [or: lord]": treasurer of Dur-Šarruken PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Ina-teši-eṭir (person)

"He has saved from confusion": [1] Probably a Babylonian PGP priest or temple administrator and correspondent of Sennacherib PGP . [2] Babylonian PGP , son of Ṣululu PGP ; his sons bring wool from Bit-Imbi PGP to Lahiru PGP and inform Marduk-naṣir PGP of the movements of the Elamite PGP troops during the reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Indabiya (person)

An Elamite name: presumably the commander-of-one-thousand men of the Puqudean leader Abi-yaqar PGP , both of whom are said to be "trodden down", causing trouble in the land, according to a letter from the sheikhs of Tubliaš PGP to Sargon II PGP .

"Ninurta is the one who goes in front": governor TT of the Assyrian province of Si'imme PGP ; eponym TT of the year 711 BC.

Inurta-belu-uṣur (person)

"O Ninurta, protect the lord!": father of a high Assyrian official who defected to Urarṭu PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Inurta-ila'i (person)

"Ninurta is my god": [1] Governor TT of the province of Naṣibina PGP ; eponym TT of the year 736 BC and correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP . The same individual may later have been the governor of the province of Kar-Shalmaneser/Til-Barsip PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 722 BC.

Inurta-naṣir (person)

"Ninurta is protector": high priest from Babylon PGP , perhaps the same individual also attested visiting Ekur PGP in Nippur PGP , who is mentioned together with Belšunu PGP in a letter from Remutu PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Ionians (people)

Encountered by the Assyrians as pirates on the Eastern Mediterranean coast; probably the blanket designation for Greeks in general.

A name of unknown origin and meaning: possibly the ruler of the Taurus PGP mountain kingdom of Ukku PGP ; believed to have been involved in a conspirancy against the king of Urarṭu PGP by Aššur-reṣuwa PGP , the representative of Sargon II PGP in Ukku's neighbour state Kumme PGP .

Išmanni-Aššur (person)

"Aššur has heard me": official in the Assyrian province of Laqe PGP and, together with Aplaya PGP and Šarru-lu-dari PGP , correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"Ištar is my protective wall": [1] Governor TT of the province of Arrapha PGP and frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 714 BC. [2] Royal confidant TT of Sargon II, dispatched to Kumme PGP . [3] An Assyrianising way of writing the Urarṭian PGP royal name Sarduri PGP .

[1] Town on the Middle Euphrates PGP in the border region between Syria and Iraq, modern Hit. [2] Aramean PGP tribe originating in this area whose members serve as regular auxiliary troops in the Assyrian army of the late 8th century BC. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/hit.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/hit.kmz&t=k&z=16].

J

Judah (place)

Kingdom with Jerusalem as its centre; an Assyrian vassal state.

Jupiter (heavenly body)

Planet known as "the heroic one" and "the white star", often identified with the moon, the Babylonian god Marduk PGP , and with Babylonia PGP (Land of Akkad PGP ) more generally. Its periodicity was not known accurately in the Neo-Assyrian period. View in YourSky [http://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/uncgi/Yourtel?aim=5&z=1].

K

Kakkullanu (person)

A name of unknown meaning: royal confidant TT and messenger of Sargon II PGP .

Kalbi-Uku (person)

"Dog/servant of Uku": possibly a military commander of the Gambulu PGP tribe in southern Babylonia PGP ; a correspondent of Sennacherib PGP .

An Elamite name: Median PGP city ruler or a vassal of the king of Ellipi PGP , whose position may have weakened following Sargon II's PGP appointment of Ašpa-bara PGP as the successor of Dalta PGP in Ellipi PGP .

Royal city in the kingdom of Šubria PGP ; Byzantine Chlomaron, now probably Gre Migro in modern Turkey. After the integration of Šubria into Assyria in 673 BC, name of the Assyrian province created out of the eastern half of the kingdom. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/kulimmeri.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/kulimmeri.kmz&t=k&z=17].

Kullania (place)

Assyrian province situated between the northern stretches of the Orontes river and the Mediterranean coast. The capital city of the same name corresponds to modern Tell Tayinat (Biblical Calneh). View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/kullania_tell_tayinat.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/kullania_tell_tayinat.kmz&t=k&z=16].

Territory or country in Assyria's southeast, mentioned in a letter from Mazamua PGP .

Kummaya (person)

"Man from Kumme", quite possibly not a name but only an appellative: smuggler from Kumme PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Kumme (place)

Assyrian vassal state in the Taurus PGP mountain range, in the buffer zone between Assyria and Urarṭu PGP . Located in the upper reaches of the Lesser Khabur on the Turkish-Iraqi border, perhaps near the Turkish town of Beytüşşebap. See the essay on Representing Assyrian interests.

Kummuhaya (person)

"Man from Kummuhi (i.e. Commagene)": Kummuhaya is not a personal name but an appellative referring to the ruler of Commagene PGP , a vassal of Sargon II PGP .

An abbreviation of a name containing the element "firm, established": military official involved in mobilising troops in southern Babylonia PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Kurbail (place)

Central Assyrian province, with a capital city of the same name, close to Kalhu PGP but whose exact location is unknown; perhaps the region between the rivers Hazir and Great Zab, south of Jabal Zirk Bardarash. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/kurbail.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/kurbail.kmz&t=k&z=14].

KUR-BE (place)

Town, probably in southern Babylonia PGP ; reading of the name is uncertain.

A name of uncertain reading and meaning: possibly a Babylonian PGP , son of Šarrani PGP , who is mentioned in connection with Marduk-apla-iddina PGP and the New Year festival TT in Babylon PGP in a letter from Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP troop commander in Gambulu PGP , to his king.

Kuyaka (person)

A name of unknown origin and meaning: individual from Hargu PGP mentioned in a broken letter to Sargon II PGP as dealing with the oppressive acts of the deputy of the palace herald TT .

Kuza (person)

An Aramaic name based on the element "jug": belt-maker from Guzana PGP who went missing en route to Dur-Šarruken PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Literary name for Babylonia PGP , after its ancient capital, Akkad PGP .

Land of the Chief Cupbearer (place)

Assyrian province on the northwestern fringes of the Zagros PGP mountain range in the region of Aqrah; under the control of the Chief Cupbearer TT . View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/land-of-the-chief-cupbearer.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/land-of-the-chief-cupbearer.kmz&t=k&z=14].

"Let me not forget!", an abbreviated name: high military official based in western Gambulu PGP in Babylonia PGP ; correspondent of Sennacherib PGP . The same man may have been active in eastern Assyria and Babylonia already during the reign of Sargon II PGP .

Tributary of the Tigris PGP river, whose source is in northwest Iran and which flows southwestwards, joining the Tigris about 30 km south of Assur PGP .

Lu-ahu'a (person)

"May I have a brother!": individual from Bit-Ha'ir PGP who, together with Ahi-yaqar PGP , tries to persuade Nabu-duru-uṣur PGP and Bel-emuranni PGP to go and retake with them the conquered town of Bit-Ha'ir PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Let me extol Bel!": Babylonian PGP official active in Gambulu PGP , who may have panicked because of the Elamite PGP offensive in the area, according to a letter from Nabu-šumu-lešir PGP , a high-ranking official (probably the governor TT ) in Gambulu, and Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP troop commander in Gambulu PGP , to their king.

Lullupayu (person)

"Man from the country of Lullubu": contemporary of Sargon II PGP and possibly the ruler of a small Assyrian vassal state in the Zagros PGP region.

"Who is like Arbela?": [1] Official active in Assyria's northeast, reporting on Hubuškia PGP and the emissaries of Labdudu PGP ; a correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Official active in Babylonia PGP and enemy of Amel-Nabu PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

"Who is as powerful as Aššur?": governor TT of the province of Guzana PGP or Tille PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 709 BC.

Mannu-ki-mat-Aššur (person)

"Who is like Assyria?": official, possibly a subordinate of Il-yada' PGP and active in northern Babylonia PGP , who is connected to a team (of equids), according to a broken letter to Sargon II PGP .

Mannu-ki-Ninua (person)

"Who is like Nineveh?": governor TT of the province of Kar-Šarruken PGP and frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Manṣuati (place)

Assyrian province and its capital of the same name in northern Syria that was founded after the conquest of Hamat PGP by Tiglath-pileser III PGP in 732 BC; probably modern Masyaf. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/mansuati.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/mansuati.kmz&t=k&z=15].

"My successor": eunuch TT , possibly also an assistant priest, who is eager to go to Dur-Šarruken PGP to organise the cult there, or at least to carry out preparatory works related to this, according to a letter from Ahu-lurši PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Mardu (person)

An abreviation of a name containing the element "successor": deceased official, probably from Arbela PGP , whose inheritance Sargon II PGP ordered to be evenly divided between Mardu's sons by the letter-sender Amar-ili PGP and the governor of the province of Arbela PGP .

Marduk (deity)

The supreme god of Babylon PGP , where he was worshipped at the temple Esaggil PGP ; father of the god Nabu PGP and consort of the goddess Zarpanitu PGP .

Marduk (person)

An abbreviated name containing the divine name Marduk: [1] Priest of the Ezida PGP temple in Borsippa PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP and the vizier TT . [2] Official mentioned in a broken letter; reign of Sargon II.

Marduk-ahu-eriba (person)

"Marduk has replaced the brother": Babylonian PGP mentioned in connection with Marduk-apla-iddina PGP in a badly broken letter from Arad-Ea PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Marduk-apla-iddina (person)

"Marduk has given an heir"; also known as "Son of Yakin" and possibly "Son of Zeri": the Biblical Merodach-baladan was king of the Sealand PGP , ruler of the Bit-Yakin PGP tribe and twice proclaimed himself king of Babylon PGP (721-710 BC and again in 703 BC); an archenemy and contemporary of Tiglath-pileser III PGP , Sargon II PGP and Sennacherib PGP .

Marduk-belu-uṣur (person)

"O Marduk, protect the lord!": high Assyrian official serving under Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 726 BC.

"Marduk has given", an abbreviated name: [1] Recruit mentioned in a letter from Arrapha PGP to Sargon II PGP . [2] Official active in one of the western Assyrian provinces; reign of Sargon II. [3] Babylonian PGP with a connection to Marduk-apla-iddina PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

"Marduk is our king": official active in northern Babylonia PGP , who is accused of conspiring with Marduk-apla-iddina PGP ; correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Marduk-šarru-uṣur (person)

"O Marduk, protect the king!": [1] Assyrian prefect in Babylonia PGP and a correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; he may still have been in office under Sennacherib PGP . [2] Babylonian who defected to the vizier TT ; reign of Sargon II.

Marduk-šumu-iddina (person)

"Marduk has given a name": [1] High administrative official active in the area northeast of Babylon PGP , probably located in Sippar PGP , and a correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Messenger or royal confidant TT of Sargon II returning from a mission to Birati PGP .

Marduk-zeru-ibni (person)

"Marduk has created the seed": member of the Bit-Dakkuri PGP tribe; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Capital of the kingdom of Gurgum in southeastern Turkey which Sargon II PGP conquered in 711 BC; the city then became the capital of an Assyrian province of the same name. Modern Kahramanmaraş.
View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/marqasa.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/marqasa.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Assyrian province on the northwestern slopes of the Zagros PGP mountain range and its capital city of the same name; modern Suleimaniya. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/mazamua_suleimaniya.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/mazamua_suleimaniya.kmz&t=k&z=16].

Designation used by the Assyrians to specify various peoples, regions and small city-states in the Zagros PGP mountains of western Iran. In the 8th century BC, there is no unified country of "Media". See the essay on The Medes.

Assyrian province and its capital of the same name; the northern part of the kingdom of Israel which was integrated into Assyria under Tiglath-pileser III PGP .
View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/megiddo.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/megiddo.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Melarṭua (person)

An Urarṭian name: son of Argisti II PGP and crown prince of Urarṭu PGP ; a contemporary of Sargon II PGP . In 709 BC, briefly pronounced king by the Urarṭian troops on the battlefield in the turmoil which followed a defeat by the Cimmerians PGP , when Argishti was thought dead. It is unknown whether Melarṭua eventually ascended to the throne or not.

An Anatolian name: king of Mushki = Phrygia PGP (i.e. the legendary Midas of the Greek sources); a contemporary of Sargon II PGP .

Mitunu (person)

An abbreviated Phoenician name containing the divine name Miton: governor TT of the province of Isana PGP ; eponym TT of the year 700 BC. Attested under Sargon II PGP and Sennacherib PGP .

Moab (place)

Country between today's Jordan and the Dead Sea.

Mukin-Aššur (person)

"The one who establishes is Aššur": official active in Gambulu PGP ; mentioned in connection with Lulla-Bel PGP in a letter from Nabu-šumu-lešir PGP , a high-ranking official (probably the governor TT ) in Gambulu PGP , and Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP troop commander in Gambulu, to their king reporting on an Elamite attack.

"The one who keeps safe is Adad": high military and/or administrative official under Sargon II PGP with whom he corresponds in regard to some forts.

Musani or Musanni-[...] (person)

A West Semitic name based on the verb "to feel": royal delegate TT of an unknown city, possibly located in the province of Ṣupat PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Muṣaṣir (place)

Small independent state in the Zagros PGP region, under the rule of king Urzana PGP , a contemporary and sometime ally of Sargon II PGP ; home of the temple of Haldi PGP , a religious centre of great influence from at least the early second millennium BC and one of the most important temples for the rulers of Urarṭu PGP . Corresponds to modern Mudjesir near Rowanduz.
View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/musasir.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/musasir.kmz&t=k&z=14].

N

God of wisdom and patron of scribes; son of the great Babylonian PGP deity Marduk PGP .

Nabu-ahhe-bulliṭ (person)

"O Nabu, keep the brothers alive!": delegate of the Esaggil PGP temple to whom Bel-iddina PGP entrusted the writing-boards with the results of his inspection of Babylonian PGP temples from Zabban PGP to Sippar PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-ahhe-eriba (person)

"Nabu has replaced the brothers": nobleman from Babylon PGP who may have been collaborating with Marduk-apla-iddina PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-ahhe-iddina (person)

"Nabu has given brothers": [1] Babylonian PGP defector from Bit-Uqata PGP who went over to the Assyrian vizier TT ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Individual from Arrapha PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

Nabu-ahhe-lumur (person)

"O Nabu, may I see the brothers!": Babylonian PGP correspondent of Sargon II PGP , probably from Sippar PGP .

Nabu-ahu-ereš (person)

"Nabu has desired a brother": Babylonian PGP father and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP . Nabu-ahu-ereš's family consists of his brother, one son and two women.

"Nabu is foremost": Babylonian PGP mentioned in a small fragment of a letter to Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-balliṭ (person)

"O Nabu, keep alive!": [1] Father of Simanaya PGP , paternal uncle of Aššur-na'di PGP , whose son is one the three candidates for the office of the household overseer of the Aššur PGP temple following the death of the previous officeholder, according to a letter from Ṭab-ṣill-Ešarra PGP to Sargon II PGP . [2] Wine master mentioned in a fragmentary letter, possibly from the reign of Sargon II.

"Nabu is the creator": Babylonian PGP , brother of Ubaru PGP and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP . The family of the two brothers consists of one suckling son and two women.

Nabu-bel-šumati (person)

"Nabu is the lord of names": royal delegate TT of the northern Babylonian PGP territory of Birati PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-belu-ka''in (person)

"O Nabu, establish the lord!": governor TT of the province of Kar-Šarruken PGP , later governor of the province of Lubda PGP ; frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-belu-uṣur (person)

"O Nabu, protect the lord!": [1] Governor TT of the province of Arrapha PGP and eponym TT of the year 745 BC. [2] Governor of the province of Si'imme PGP and eponym TT of the year 732 BC. [3] Official active in the northeast and, together with Dinanu PGP , correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"Nabu has desired": [1] Military official at Borsippa PGP , son of Nabu-taklak PGP and brother of Nabu-le'i PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Chaldean PGP under the surveillance of Abat-šarri-uṣur PGP ; reign of Sargon II. [3] Babylonian PGP nobleman, sent to the king together with his family and servants by Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP commander of troops in Gambulu PGP .

"Nabu is the one who saves lives": probably an official from Kalhu PGP whose presence or words with some other men may have caused Nabu-mušallim PGP to disappear from Kalhu PGP , according to a letter from crown prince Sennacherib PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-hamatu'a (person)

"Nabu is my rescue": [1] Deputy governor of the province of Mazamua PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] High military official, active in Babylonia PGP , who attacks the Litamu PGP tribe; reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Nabu-ili (person)

"Nabu is my god": Babylonian PGP correspondent of Sargon II PGP who sends people from Tyre PGP to the king.

"Nabu is almighty": [1] Governor TT of the province of Birtu PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Commander of Bit-Dakkuri PGP residing in Borsippa PGP , son of Nabu-taklak PGP and a brother of Nabu-ereš PGP ; together with Da'ini PGP , a Babylonian PGP correspondent of Sargon II. Evidently he was also the major-domo TT of Sargon II's daughter Ahat-abiša PGP when the rebellious men of Bit-Dakkuri PGP were, perhaps only temporarily, deported to Tabal PGP .

Nabu-mušallim (person)

"Nabu is the one who preserves": official who disappears from Kalhu PGP after receiving news about Nabu-eṭir-napšati PGP , according to a letter from crown prince Sennacherib PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-nadin-ahi (person)

"Nabu is the giver of the brother": Babylonian PGP , brother of Na'id-Ešeriga PGP and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-na'id (person)

"Nabu is praised": Babylonian PGP temple-enterer TT , i.e. high-ranking member of the clergy, of the temple of Šamaš PGP at Sippar PGP who conspired against Sargon II's PGP rule.

Nabu-pašir (person)

"Nabu is the one who releases": governor TT of the province of Harran PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP and the vizier TT .

Nabu-remanni (person)

"O Nabu, have mercy on me!": governor TT of the province of Parsua PGP (with its capital in Nikkur) and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"Nabu is the king of his brothers": official in charge of the mule stable of the house of Nabu-le'i PGP in Borsippa PGP ; correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-šarru-ibni (person)

"Nabu has created the king": administrative official concerned with gardeners; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-šarru-uṣur (person)

"O Nabu, protect the king!": [1] Military official active in the north of Assyria and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] High-ranking official active in Babylonia PGP , brother of Bel-usati PGP and correspondent of Bel-iqiša PGP ; reign of Sargon II.

"Nabu has provided a name": Babylonian PGP commander of Uruk PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; recipient of a letter from Nabu-dan PGP .

Nabu-šumu-lešir (person)

"O Nabu, may the name prosper!": [1] High-ranking official in Gambulu PGP , probably the governor TT , who authors letters to the king together with Aqar-Bel-lumur PGP , Sennacherib's PGP troop commander in Gambulu PGP . [2] Priest of the Esaggil PGP temple at Babylon PGP and correspondent of Sennacherib PGP .

"In Nabu I trust": commander of Bit-Dakkuri PGP residing in Borsippa PGP , father of Nabu-ereš PGP , Nabu-le'i PGP and Nergal-[...]. He is also known as Ana-Nabu-taklak and is a frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP and his officials.

"Nabu is in order": provincial governor TT (name of province unknown) under Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 721 BC.

Nabu-ušabši (person)

"Nabu has brought into being": [1] Official responsible for building works in Dur-Šarruken PGP and, together with Igli PGP , a correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Royal [...], active on the Elamite-Babylonian border, mentioned in two broken letters from Šamaš-belu-uṣur PGP to Sargon II. [3] Babylonian PGP subordinate of the vizier TT ; reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Nabu-uṣalla (person)

"I pray to Nabu": governor TT of the province of Tamnuna PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-ušallim (person)

"Nabu has kept in good health"). [1] Sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP and correspondent of the king's magnates TT ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] High-ranking Babylonian PGP from Larak PGP who arrested the people of Barik-il PGP and gave them to Umadi PGP ; reign of Sargon II. [3] Babylonian official from Uruk PGP and correspondent of Sennacherib PGP and the vizier TT , informing them about the Arameans PGP and Marduk-apla-iddina PGP .

Nabu-zer-ketti-lešir (person)

"O Nabu, let the seed of truth prosper!": official working in Dur-Šarruken PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP .

"Nabu has given the seed": [1] Babylonian PGP correspondent of Sargon II PGP , from Ur PGP , who stands accused of collaborating with Marduk-apla-iddina PGP . [2] Official involved in a dispute with Ša-ili-dubbu PGP concerning the grazing of sheep; reign of Sargon II.

Nabu-zeru-ušabši (person)

"Nabu has created the seed": sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP and correspondent of the king's magnates TT ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Nabu-zeru-uṣur (person)

"O Nabu, protect the seed!": possibly a clergyman, active in Babylon PGP , mentioned in a letter from the priest Nabu-šumu-lešir PGP to Sennacherib PGP .

A name of unknown origin and meaning: [1] Military official active in Harran PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP . [2] Probably an official (whose name is partly restored) from the middle Euphrates PGP region, associated with the ruler of Suhu PGP , collecting and shipping saplings of fruit trees to Dur-Šarruken PGP . [3] Possibly a Babylonian PGP mentioned in a badly broken letter; reign of Sargon II.

Nanu (person)

A name of unknown origin and meaning: possibly a eunuch TT , active in Hiptunu PGP ; the same person who wrote a letter to Sargon II PGP , assuming that the partly restored name of the eunuch is correct.

Naqqia (person)

"Pure", an Aramaic name: sheikh from the region of the river Tubliaš PGP in southern Mesopotamia and correspondent of the officials of Sargon II PGP .

Narage (person)

An Urarṭian name: chief tailor of the king of Urarṭu PGP , involved in a failed revolt against his master; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Turn (to me), O Bel" or "Favourable attention of Bel": governor TT of the province of Amidu and frequent correspondent of Sargon II PGP ; eponym TT of the year 705 BC.

Naṣibi (person)

A West Semitic name based on the verb "to place, set up": official, active either in eastern Babylonia PGP or in Elam PGP , who reports about Elamite affairs to Sargon II PGP through Nabu-iqiša PGP and Nabu-belu-ka''in PGP .

Naṣib-il (person)

"Placed/set up by the god/El", a West Semitic name: [1] Military official or tribal leader in Babylonia PGP and correspondent of Sargon II PGP . [2] Military official serving under the Chief Cupbearer TT and in charge of the Bit-Amukani PGP .

"Nergal has saved": [1] Possibly a provincial governor TT on the eastern border of Assyria who sends horses to Sargon II PGP . [2] High official who receives a letter from his "brother" Aššur-zeru-ibni PGP on account of the claim by the governor of Halzi-atbari PGP that the people of Ehiman PGP were his servants during the reign of Sargon II. [3] City lord of Paddanu PGP who is sent to Sargon II by Naṣib-il PGP .

Nergal-naṣir (person)

"Nergal protects": [1] Governor TT of the province of Naṣibina PGP during the reign of Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the year 746 BC. [2] High-ranking Babylonian PGP and business partner of Šumu-ukin PGP and Kina PGP ; reigns of Sargon II PGP and Sennacherib PGP .

Nergal-šarrani (person)

"Nergal is our king": official active on the northeastern frontier, presumably the deputy of the governor Aššur-alik-pani PGP , with whom he co-authored letters to Sargon II PGP . But cf. Pihame PGP .

Nergal-uballiṭ (person)

"Nergal has kept alive": governor TT of the province of Arzuhina PGP and correspondent of Tiglath-pileser III PGP ; eponym TT of the year 731 BC.

Assyrian province and its capital city of the same name, on the banks of the river Tigris PGP , opposite the modern-day city of Mosul in northern Iraq. One of the most important cities of northern Mesopotamia from the 3rd millennium BC, it was the main residence of the Assyrian kings from the reign of Sennacherib PGP onwards. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/nineveh.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/nineveh.kmz&t=k&z=14].

Assyrian province and its capital of the same name, encompassing the southeastern corner of the Turkish coast around the modern city of Adana (classical Cilicia). View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/que_adana.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/que_adana.kmz&t=k&z=17].

Assyrian province to the west of the Tigris PGP and east of the Euphrates PGP , and its capital of the same name; precise location unknown but certainly not identical with Roman Resafa in western Syria.

Raṣappayu (person)

"Man from Raṣappa": high-ranking official, active in central Assyria, possibly also in Isana PGP , arrested by the governor TT of Kalhu PGP but ordered to be released by Sargon II PGP .

"He of the pasture", a West Semitic name: nephew of Bel-iddina PGP from Nagiati PGP who informs Šamaš-abu-uṣur PGP about the movements of military troops in Babylonia PGP .

Ra'sunu (person)

"He of the head" or "Chief", a Phoenician name: father of Dadi-suri PGP from Til-Barsip PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Redi-ilu (person)

"My leader is god": probably an official or a high-ranking Babylonian PGP , mentioned in a small fragment of a letter concerning the captives of Litamu PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Rehanu (person)

"The remnant": Babylonian PGP fowler and subordinate of Hazanu PGP , sent by Aššur-belu-taqqin PGP to Sargon II PGP . Rehanu's family consists of Iqišaya PGP , one son and two women.

Remanni-Adad (person)

"Have mercy on me, O Adad!": recruitment officer TT whom the vizier TT should ask since he had heard the statement of Dadi-suri PGP , or that of his accused father, according to a letter from Nabu-pašir PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .

"Exalted is the god", an Aramaic name: Chaldean PGP from the tribe of the Bit-Amukani PGP , living in Bit-re'i and collaborating with the Assyrian vizier TT against Marduk-apla-iddina PGP ; reign of Sennacherib PGP .

Assyrian province and its capital of the same name, the southern part of the former kingdom of Israel which Shalmaneser V PGP conquered and annexed to Assyria. View location using Google Earth [~/downloads/samaria.kmz]. | View location using Google Maps [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sargon/downloads/samaria.kmz&t=k&z=18].

An abbreviation of a name containing the verb "to pile up": individual from the town of Darati PGP , loyal to Sa'iru PGP , who asks the Assyrian prefect Marduk-šarru-uṣur PGP for help in recapturing his home town; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Assyrian Šarru-kenu, "The king is firmly established": king of Assyria (721-705 BC) who ascended to the throne in suspicious circumstances following the death of his (half-)brother, Shalmaneser V PGP , and died in battle in Anatolia; eponym TT of the year 719 BC. See the essay on Sargon.

A West Semitic name based on the verb "to ask": official, probably active in Kalhu PGP , who accuses the sons of Sadiru PGP of malpractice when levying taxes from work assignments; reign of Sargon II PGP .

Sa'iru (person)

A West Semitic name: municipal leader of the town of Darati PGP before being supplanted by Ata PGP . Five men of Darati PGP , who sent a letter without an address, emphasise their loyalty to Sa'iru PGP when they attempt to reinstall him with the help of the Assyrian prefect Marduk-šarru-uṣur PGP ; reign of Sargon II PGP .